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NFL 2015: Darkhorse teams to win each division

By Matt Verderame

May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cleveland Browns

The AFC North has three very solid teams in the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Last year, all three made the playoffs. However, the Browns were the team leading the division after Week 10 with a 6-3 record. Cleveland has a deep and talented roster, but much like the aforementioned Bills, has been held back by the man under center.

But what if Johnny Manziel realizes his potential and becomes the type of weapon he was at Texas A&M when he won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman? Manziel also has some targets around him with receivers Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe coming over as free agents. More importantly, Manziel seems to have turned his life around and is focused on the task at hand.

Manziel has one of the best offensive lines in the league protecting him, with Joel Bitonio and Joe Thomas taking care of business. Defensively, the Browns are locked and loaded with Joe Haden, Paul Kruger, Tashaun Gipson and more. It could be enough to dethrone the traditional powers in the North.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are coming off consecutive winning seasons and are primed to challenge for the AFC West title after a strong offseason. Under head coach Andy Reid, Kansas City is entering the third year of his program and could be poised for a quantum leap after adding Jeremy Maclin and Ben Grubbs to a middling offense. Additionally, tight end Travis Kelce and slot receiver De’Anthony Thomas has another year of maturation.

Defensively, Kansas City is one of the best units in the league. The Chiefs ranked second in points allowed last year and are welcoming the return of Pro Bowl inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and defensive end Mike DeVito. Strong safety Tyvon Branch was also signed to a one-year deal, while general manager John Dorsey took corners Marcus Peters (first round) and Steven Nelson (third) in the NFL Draft.

With the Denver Broncos losing a bevy of talent in free agency, the Chiefs are in a terrific spot to win their first AFC West title since 2010. Quarterback Alex Smith will never be an elite player, but he is a proven winner. Smith can guide the offense, which suddenly has a host of talent with Jamaal Charles leading the way.

Next: Nothing beats Famous Jameis

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